Master Sgt. Ricky Lynn "Rick" Braden died July 20, 2016, at Integris Baptist Medical Center, Oklahoma City, after complications from major surgery for a brain tumor. He was born Oct. 16, 1959, in Madison, IN and graduated from Scottsburg High School in 1978. MSgt Braden earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Technology from Wayland Baptist University in Anchorage, AK in 1995 and also was awarded an associate's degree from the Community of College of the Air Force in Information Systems Management in 1996. He last served as Current Operations Superintendent and Flight Superintendent for the 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron and 552d Air Control Wing at Tinker AFB, OK. MSgt Braden's decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Force Expeditionary Medal. He was active duty for 21 years, serving his country and the USAF honorably and faithfully.

After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Rick worked 16 years as a civilian program controller at Tinker Air Force Base for the Department of Defense and retired from that position Dec. 2015. Rick had many interest and hobbies. He played tennis; was a Hamm Radio enthusiast; and liked fast cars (muscle, fast, and hot rods), especially, his 1967 Camaro. Rick had interest in writing books, and he enjoyed his church family and his many civilian and military family and friends. Rick faithfully carried the love and remembrance of his fellow crewman of the Yukla 27 every day in his heart. Godspeed. Survivors include his wife, Carlann (Lundelius) Braden, of Harrah, OK; two sons, Patrick Braden, of Anchorage, AK, and Thomas Braden, of Oklahoma City; his mother and stepfather, Thelma & Bob Cliborn, of Eustis, FL; his father and stepmother, Claude & Betty Braden, of Scottsburg, IN; a sister, Teresa "Terri" Braden Monahan & husband Bob, of Independence, KY; two stepsisters, Deborah Faith & husband Mark, of Corydon, IN, and Tammy Dickson & husband Rex, of Scottsburg, IN; stepbrother, Leonard Ponder, of Burlington, KY; two granddaughters, Sophia Mechille Braden and Evelyn Reyes, of Oklahoma City; and two nieces, Sonya Huser, of Muncie, IN, and Brooke Huser, of Lafayette, IN.

Full Military Graveside Services will be held at Scottsburg Cemetery in Scottsburg, IN at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016. Visitation will be observed Friday, July 29 from 3 until 8 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, Scottsburg, IN. Memorials: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma (https://regionalfoodbank.org); or The Harrah Church Missions Project (101 S Dobbs, Harrah, OK 73045).

Published in The Oklahoman on July 26, 2016

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